What is the role?

We are looking for an Associate Director of Policy to join our Policy, Communications, and Marketing team. In this position, you will report to the Director of Policy and will play a critical role in devising and implementing our strategy for engaging with public policies and stakeholders that affect our mission and our business.  

The role calls for an ambitious mid-career policy professional with a strategic mindset and strong analytical and communication skills. You will need to evaluate complex and emerging political and policy issues; write cogently and persuasively for internal and external audiences; and communicate effectively with company leadership, policymakers, and outside stakeholders on our perspective and priorities. A background in government, NGOs, or campaigns is strongly preferred, as is a working familiarity with the significant urban policy debates, particularly concerning sustainability.  

You will collaborate closely with project leaders across the company to craft and execute effective strategies for advancing our policy priorities. Relationship-building will be key, as you will need to develop ties and coalitions with diverse stakeholders to participate in key policy debates. 

Day-to-day, you will work as part of the Policy, Communications, and Marketing team to:

• Develop and implement strategies for engaging policymakers and stakeholders on key policies, both independently and as part of coalitions  
• Track, research, and write on the political and policy issues implicating our mission, products, and services
• Advise business units on strategies for navigating politically complex issues, on emerging trends or opportunities in urban policy, and on interacting with government officials and policy organizations
• Supervise, and coordinate the work of, outside firms as necessary to advance our policy priorities 
• Collaborate with communications staff to react to emerging issues and execute strategies for establishing company thought leadership on important policy issues, and 
• Work with the legal department to facilitate compliance with all government reporting requirements 

What You Will Achieve

In your first 3 months you will:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the policy needs, challenges, and opportunities for Sidewalk Labs and its specific business units 
• Get plugged into Sidewalk Labs’ existing outreach and engagement strategy, and begin to contribute to its implementation
• Establish a strong working relationship across business units, including through a regular cadence of meetings and check-ins
• Research and write on discrete policy issues

In your first 6 months you will:

• Identify and implement targeted research projects to inform our overall government and policy strategy, including to set internal company policies, advise on business strategy, and inform engagement and outreach. 
• Prepare persuasive internal and external policy materials and presentations, including for government, NGOs, other policy stakeholders, and company leadership 
• Begin to contribute meaningfully to strategic planning, coalition-building, and policy thought leadership

After 12 months you will be able to:

• Take charge of Sidewalk Labs’ coalition-building strategy to advance core policy goals, including by building and expanding relationships with key stakeholders and partners. 
• Play a leading role, alongside the Director of Policy, in short- and long-term strategic planning
• Deliver presentations, independently and with colleagues, on Sidewalk Labs’ policy priorities to policymakers and other third parties.

What We Expect

To thrive, you will need at least seven years of relevant work experience, preferably including government, NGO, or campaign experience, a strong interest in urban policy and technology, and a background that demonstrates:

• Policy depth and versatility: You have a deep understanding of the policy processes and power dynamics affecting outcomes at the federal, state, and municipal levels in the United States. You are also aware of the significant trends in urban and technology policy. For emerging issues, or policies that are new to you, you can quickly identify the political forces at play and how to fill in missing gaps in information.
• Exceptional research and communication skills: You are a talented writer and communicator, with experience preparing and delivering cogent and persuasive analysis to decision makers. You also have the ability to efficiently research complex policy issues to develop well-informed and nuanced positions.
• Strategic thinking and implementation: You are a sharp, strategic thinker and tactician. You can review the policy landscape, develop a perspective, devise a set of priorities and tactics, and play a leading role in their implementation.  
• Relationship Building: You enjoy and excel at developing and maintaining strong professional connections, both inside and outside of your organization. In particular, you are comfortable organizing and sustaining coalitions encompassing diverse stakeholders. 
• Management and Collaboration: You are capable of leading a project through all phases with minimal guidance. You can work with cross-functional teams of internal colleagues and external firms, and balance short-term deadlines against long-term ambitions.
• Professionalism and Judgment: You handle demanding assignments and tight deadlines with poise, reliability, and wisdom. Your work reflects a high level of polish, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. You also exercise discretion, are ethical, and are alert to policy and communication risks.